HOUGHTON, MI— Houghton County will try for a fifth time this November to secure a millage for a new jail.
The current jail was built in 1963 and doesn’t accommodate today’s technology. It fails in 14 of the Michigan Department of Corrections’ 15 standards.
County officials put a $32 million measure on the ballot in 2025, but critics said a new facility could be built for less. The Houghton County Jail Committee was created to address questions from the public about the project and see if the structure could be built more cheaply.
Co-chair Faith Morrison says a new jail is desperately needed because it’s continuously full.
“When you’re at your maximum capacity and a new person is arrested by somebody, you have to find a space for them. And if that person who’s been arrested cannot be released because they’re a flight risk or they’re a dangerous person, then you have to release somebody else.”
The committee worked with consultants and came up with a $28 million plan, which was approved by the Houghton County Board. The county will levy 1.2722 mills to pay for it.
The new jail would be constructed on Sharon Avenue on property purchased by county, south of the existing building. It would contain 6 -to 70 beds, the sheriff’s office, and a small arraignment courtroom.
The measure will be on the November ballot.
